Meet Theo
Theo is a Midwestern boy born and living in Chicago. If he had a life motto it would be, “Take me outside all day and snuggle me all night long.” He is a true nature-lover sometimes only calmed by being outside. He loves watching trees and will often crane his neck to be able to get a better view. He is the ultimate snuggler. Theo enjoys visiting parks around the city and listening intently to the children playing and likes to join the fun by going on the swings.
Theo was born full term with no complications during pregnancy. Upon birth he had tachypnea (fast breathing) and spent 5 days in the NICU. Theo was diagnosed with subclinical seizures at 6 months due to visual inattentiveness and has had persistent irritability. He also has a genetic variant on CAM2KD. Theo’s biggest battles are related to his epilepsy, severe hypotonia, and his low vision due to cortical vision impairment.
Theo’s progress follows the old tale of the tortoise and the hare - slow and steady. His team of therapists and teachers have been irreplaceable parts on his family’s journey. He is currently working on tracking with his eyes, learning how to show interest in toys, smiling and interacting (he loves Mardi Gras beads and clapping), and of course weight bearing on his arms and legs to get stronger. Slowly but surely he is making gains and his little smile is making more appearances.
“Early on in our journey a doctor told us that kids like Theo tend to bring out the best in people. We have found that in the kindness and love of our friends and family. Likewise we have also had our lives and hearts opened to a group of people, a community of advocates here in the special needs world that have forever changed us. It is our honor to know all of their stories and walk beside them on their journeys. ”